Events Not to Miss at OR Summer Market 2015

Take a look at your agenda for the week of August 4th, 2015. No doubt, it’s already packed. But if you haven’t added these events, you should.

Throughout the Show:

Outdoor University Powered by Outdoor Industry Association: Outdoor Retailer isn’t just for back-to-back meetings and happy hours – plan to attend a few Outdoor University educational events. These sessions are free to all tradeshow attendees, and provide insight into topics ranging from social media to supply chain. Check out the full agenda here.

Made in America Product Showcase: Featuring gear proudly crafted in the USA, our Made in America product showcase returns with an added twist: an exclusive Made in America gear sale. Stop by the showcase display or OIA booth to pick up a Made in America guide, then beeline towards your chance to buy discounted American-made gear like boots, a bike rack and more. All proceeds go directly to the Outdoor Foundation.

Bring Your Kids to OR: CampOR Debuts at Summer Market: Get your kids and teens ready for their own Summer Market adventure in the Wasatch. While you work the show floor, the Boy Scouts of America will be hosting CampOR exclusively and free of charge for the children of all Outdoor Retailer attendees, media and exhibitors. Each day of the show, your kids will get to experience the best of the outdoors with fun, informative, and safe daily sessions. Hiking, paddling and rowing are a few of the activities available to your kids at Millcreek Canyon, just outside of Salt Lake. Transportation and lunch provided. Sign up for more info here.

Day 0 – Tuesday August 4th

Demo Day 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Pineview Reservoir): Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes – oh my! Bring your adventurous side to the annual Open Air Demo day at Cemetery Point Marina at Pineview Reservoir. Yes, you’ll be looking at gear all week, but this event puts the gear directly in your hands so you can experience the latest technology and innovations. Shuttles are provided from the Salt Palace.

Sustainability Insights Conference 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek): Sustainability is a hot topic in the outdoor industry, and for good reason. Hosted by OIA, the Sustainability Insights Conference offers opportunities for industry professionals to stay apprised of best practices and industry trends around risk mitigation and supply chain management, providing a forum to collaboratively discuss and address shared challenges.

Media Preview – 5:00-7:30 p.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek): Media attendees are invited to the Outdoor Retailer Media Preview to get an exclusive look at the newest products being released at the trade show. Held at the Marriot’s Hotel Ballroom across the street from the Salt Palace, this is an excellent opportunity for one-on-one interactions between brands and journalists.

Outsiders Ball – 6:00-11:00 p.m. (Gallivan Center): Join us for Outdoor Foundation’s annual Outsiders Ball at the Gallivan Center to party for a purpose—getting youth outdoors. The event raises money to fund 100 outdoor projects and features activities, food and beer, live music, art installations and more. Get your tickets here.

Day 1 – Wednesday August 5th

OIA Industry Breakfast “Come Back to Nepal” – 7:00-9:00 a.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek): Presented by The North Face, this year’s industry breakfast highlights athlete Pete Athans and American Himalayan Foundation’s Norbu Tenzing as they share their experiences with the aftermath of Nepal’s devastating earthquakes. The outdoor and adventure industries are crucial to Nepal’s future, and we’ll look at how our community can help engage, return and rebuild.

“Hike it Baby” Liberty Park Coffee Stroll – 8:30-10:00 a.m. (Liberty Park): Hike it Baby founder Shanti invites mamas and families to join in on a morning urban stroll to start the first day of Outdoor Retailer. More info and meet-up location here.

Climate Change and the Outdoor Industry: How Our Communities Are Impacted and What You Can Do About It – 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek, Salon I): The panel will discuss the threat Climate Change poses to the outdoor recreation economy, including threats to the travel and tourism industry. Panelists will highlight what is being done by private industry, by policymakers and elected officials at the municipal, state and federal level and others to combat Climate Change.

Public Lands Heist Roundtable and Celebration of Public Lands Party – begins at 3:00 p.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek and Caffé Molise): Join us for a happy hour in honor of America’s public lands. The roundtable discussion begins at 3:00 p.m. in the Deer Valley Room at the Marriott, and the event moves to Caffé Molise at 4:30 for a happy hour party. RSVP for either event (or both) here.

Industry Party — 6:00-8:00 p.m. (The Pavilions): You made it through Day 1. Come celebrate at The Pavilions at OR. There will be beer, there will be music, there will be food – and word on the street is that the Mountain Khakis mechanical bull will make an appearance.

Day 2 – Thursday August 6th

The Conservation Alliance Breakfast – 7:00-9:00 a.m.(Downtown Marriott City Creek): Join our friends at Conservation Alliance as they dish up a hearty breakfast and polar explorer Eric Larsen shares stories from our planet’s great frozen wildernesses and how these places are being affected by climate change.

Selling China – Partnering with China’s leading e-Retailers – 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek): Learn about new opportunities to partner with China’s leading e-Retailers to sell into the world’s biggest consumer market. Outdoor Industry Association and the U.S. Department of Commerce are partnering to bring representatives from China’s leading e-retailers to outdoor retailer and connect them to outdoor industry brands. Learn more about working with these retail partners to get access to the world’s largest consumer market.

Cities Connecting Children to Nature Even Panel – 2:00–3:00 p.m.(Downtown Marriott City Creek): Please join our panel at the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown at City Creek Hotel to learn what you can do to help your city or state connect youth to meaningful outdoor experiences. Keynote speaker Ralph Becker—Mayor, Salt Lake City and President, National League of Cities—will join other industry leaders and OIA’s Recreation Policy Advisor, Jessica Wahl, to discuss the issues.

Outdoor Industry Military Veterans Happy Hour 4:00-6:00 p.m.(Downtown Marriott City Creek) – Held at the Alta-Snowbird Room at the Marriott Downtown this is an opportunity to meet and network with military veterans in the outdoor industry. Learn how to get involved with the group – this event is open to veterans and non-veterans alike. RSVP here.

Day 3 – Friday August 7th

Ragnar and OIWC Relay Challenge – 6:00-8:30 a.m. (Starts at the Pavilions): Trios of runners will form relay teams to tackle a 3-mile course starting at the ORSM Pavilion, presented by Outdoor Retailer. Registration is just $45 for each team of 3 or $15 for single runners. Runners are welcome to form their own teams, or join as individuals.

The Shmooz – 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Downtown Marriott City Creek): Looking for a new career in the outdoor industry? For the 5th year, Malakye.com is hosting a recruiting event that is open to the public. Held at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown, The Shmooz connects industry professionals with outdoor brands. Past participants included Petzl, Black Diamond Equipment, Backcountry.com and more.

Psicobloc (Olympic Park): The legendary Psicobloc deep-water soloing competition is returning to Utah’s Olympic Park in Park City to impress spectators with some of the most exciting rock climbing in the world. The final round will be held on Friday evening, and you can buy tickets here.

Pacific Northwest Fest 6:00-8:00 p.m. – (The Depot):Experience the best of the Pacific Northwest! Community pride reigns supreme as local companies like Stanley, Superfeet, Mountain House, and Pistil bring the best of the region to you. The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will bring the music—featuring the sounds of Seattle’s finest bands in honor of the upcoming OIA Rendezvous location. Music, food, art and brews will evoke the spirit, and home-grown activities will make you feel like you’ve been transported to these outdoor meccas. Afterward, head down the street to the Depot where the music goes on and on.

The Revival 8:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m.– (The Depot): The Friday night festivities continue with a massive musical fiesta where all are invited to perform for your outdoor industry comrades. Sign-up to play at the event here.